Where language is not a barrier to learning

It was that moment when the teacher’s attention wavered and seven-year-old Koel did a somersault on her classroom floor. “Koel, Nere Irrikku (sit straight),” the teacher commanded and the little one obeyed without any qualms. It comes as a surprise that Koel had Hindi as her mother tongue.

The Government LP School, Bairayikkulam is a small educational institution with just four classrooms, four teachers, including the Head Mistress and 22 students altogether. What makes it different is that only four, out of the 22 students speak Malayalam.

These are children of people who have made Kozhikode their home away from home, mostly migrant labourers who contribute heavily to the workforce in the city of late. When asked how she managed the students who did not speak her language, Reji, a teacher, said: “They are very young, and learning a new language is not a big deal at this age. It is not a problem for us (teachers) either.”

What could be a problem were attempts from certain quarters to close down the school alleging poor strength and lack of basic facilities. The Kerala Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee (KPTCC) has submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister and Education Minister alleging that the school was a waste of money.

“There are only four or five students there. The school authorities are fooling the government showing more strength than what it had. We demand a proper investigation,” said State president of the party Manoj Sankaranellur.

However, one visit to the school proves the allegations made by Mr. Manoj are false. There are more than five students in at least half the classes and no basic facility is lacking. There is a proper toilet, kitchen, a well maintained building, clean premises and area for children to play. “The school has barely opened. Many of our students have gone to their native villages in North India over the vacation and have not returned yet,” said Ms.Reji.

Headmistress K.Shyamala, who joined just a few days ago, said there has not been any discussion about closing down the school.

“As per the Right to Education, we have to run the school even if it is for just one student. And what is the hurry to close down?

“If a school has fewer students, shouldn’t we make an attempt to better the situation?” she asked.

Though what prompted the KPTCC to file such a complaint remains a mystery, several shopkeepers around the school hinted that the prime land where the school is located has always been eyed by the real estate mafia.